It was a new method of delivery, but the same spirit of excitement as the Swift Current Business Excellence nominations were whittled down last night.

Karla Wiens took to streaming media for the event and said afterward that the new format was something that might find a home permanently even as COVID-19 allows businesses to return to normal.

Its ability to increase the event's reach this year was noticeable nearly immediately.

"Having the virtual component allows us to connect or participate with so many more people in and around the community, which is great."

Wiens was joined by David Keast, the president and CEO of Great Plains College. And by Mark Clements, senior VP of business advisors with the Innovation Credit Union.

The short program announced the top three finalists in all eight categories, as well as the winners of the member business of the year and the hall of fame business winner for 2020.

 

The Finalists Are:

Start-Up/New Business:

  • Evolve Fitness
  • Night Jar Dining Company
  • Spoon and Bowl Bistro

Small Business:

  • Night Jar Dining Company
  • Olea Oil & Vinegar
  • The Landing Studio

Medium Business:

  • AM Delivery & Courier Services
  • Bumper to Bumper/Great West Auto Electric
  • Schultz Ranch Country Meats

Large Business:

  • B & A Petroleum
  • Safeway
  • Triways Waste Disposal Services

Home Business:

  • Clean Spade Urban Farm
  • Serge & Cody Window Cleaning
  • Surround Sound Music

Citizen of the Year:

  • Leanne Tuntland-Wiebe
  • Sammy Khalife
  • Trevor Marion

Not-For-Profit:

  • Canadian Mental Health Association Swift Current
  • Family Resource Centre Swift Current
  • Southwest Homes

Employer of Persons With Disabilities:

  • Original Joes
  • Pioneer Co-op
  • SARCAN Swift Current

In two surprise announcements earlier in the day, Wiens announced that Bumper to Bumper/Great West Auto Electric has also won the Member Business of the Year award, while the Southwest Booster won the chambers Hall-of-Fame prize.

Swift Current Online will have more on both of those stories in the coming days.  

Last night's ceremony is available below: